Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha ("NYK") and its group company MTI Co., Ltd. ("MTI"), in collaboration with Smert Design Co. Ltd. ("Smert Design"), have launched a trial to utilize 3D models in the initial design phase of ship construction.

In this trial, as part of the joint research project "Ship Design Streamlining Project by Front Loading,"* the three companies will implement the "Basic Design Platform"** (hereinafter "BDP") into the ship design software CADMATIC*** and use it to design an LPG tanker for Kyoei Tanker Co., Ltd. to be built by Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

This trial aims to model 3D design information of existing similar and sister vessels and facilitate smooth decision-making by both shipyards and shipping companies for the exchange of requests, ideas, comments, etc., on the same system for the design applicable to this ship.

By visualizing the completed ship at an early design stage, the ship design can be understood intuitively. Furthermore, use of the same system by all parties involved reduces the work and processes required for design. This enables earlier decision-making regarding ship design, which has become more complex recently.

In addition, by utilizing the 3D design as a 3D model-based ship management tool called "Digital Finished Plans" and by converting the finished plans,**** which were conventionally delivered as 2D drawings after completion of the ship, into 3D, we expect to reduce the workload on crew members in understanding the drawings.

The conventional ship design process has been a long-established method in which the shipping company repeatedly reviews the plan drawings designed by the shipyard for approval. Although this method has been established for many years, it has been a challenge to shorten the construction period because of the approval process and the time required for the related parties to understand the drawings.

The two companies will verify the effectiveness of BDP in reducing workload and improve the system based on the results. In the future, the two companies will contribute to DX in the shipbuilding and shipping industries through the widespread use of this system.

<NYK>
Head office: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Takaya Soga, President
Website: https://www.nyk.com/english/

<MTI>
Head office: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Hideki Suzuki, President
Website: https://www.monohakobi.com/en/

* Front loading
Invest more resources in planning and design in the early stages to move the work forward, thereby reducing design changes in the later stages and increasing quality and productivity.

** Basic Design Platform
A basic design infrastructure concept that has a database containing ship design information and a 3D model as a mirror reflecting that information. It enables visualization of design information in three dimensions and contributes to quicker decision-making in design.

*** CADMATIC
Ship design software provided by Cadmatic. Based in Finland, the company develops digital and intelligent 3D-based design, engineering, and information management software solutions for the marine, process, and other industrial and construction industries in 60 countries.
Website: https://www.cadmatic.com/en/

**** Finished plans
A generic term for documents that are prepared based on the design drawings delivered upon completion of a ship. It includes specifications, calculation sheets, equipment lists, operation manuals, etc.

More Information

March 28, 2024, A World’s First: NYK Completes Basic Design Process Using Only 3D Drawings for New Oceangoing Vessel